Author: Deborah Messenger
Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES
Major Program: Money Habitudes
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Professionals with University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension report Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the United States in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. Individuals who understand how emotional factors and their habits and attitudes can trigger or affect their spending may be able to plan more realistic steps and have higher success rates following through with their commitments (Solomon, S. in Money Habitudes). Thus, the premise behind the “Money Habitudes™” curriculum approved for use by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
The Cumberland County Extension Office offered the program “Money Habitudes Online.” During April and May 2020, 45 consumers participated. The program was promoted through take-out bags, with homemakers, and through the county FCS Facebook page.
Participants were asked to complete an online evaluation survey following the class. Of the 34 survey respondents, 76 percent indicated they learned how habits and attitudes trigger spending; 62 percent better know how to manage money to reach financial goals; and 50 percent had increased confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters.
Of the survey respondents, 85 percent indicated they plan to adjust at least one spending habit toward financial stability. 94 percent plan to be more aware of how money affects relationships. 97 percent plan to implement at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money.
Up to 94 percent of respondents agreed they were able to use the Money Habitudes solitaire to better understand their spending and saving behaviors. The most significant things this group plans to apply as a result of this workshop, include:
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